Handheld Oral Irrigator | James Dyson Award (2025)

Wat het doet

This handheld oral irrigator features a unique hollow-center design that allows users to insert their fingers through the body for a secure and intuitive grip, solving the common issues of bulkiness and slipperiness found in traditional models.

Je inspriatie

The inspiration for solving this problem came from observing how people naturally grip everyday objects like mugs or handles. I noticed that users often struggle with holding conventional oral irrigators due to their bulky and slippery design. This led me to explore forms that allow the fingers to pass through or wrap around the device more intuitively, ultimately resulting in the hollow-center design that enhances grip, comfort, and usability.

Hoe het werkt

This handheld oral irrigator works by using a small electric pump that pushes water through a thin nozzle at high pressure. When the device is turned on, it sprays a steady stream or pulsating bursts of water that help remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline. The water tank is refillable and designed for easy cleaning. The device is rechargeable via USB, making it convenient for everyday use or travel. The hollow-center grip not only makes it easier to hold but also allows for more precise control while cleaning.

Ontwerpproces

The design process began with identifying issues in conventional oral irrigators—bulky shapes, slippery surfaces, and uncomfortable grips. Inspired by how people naturally hold objects like mugs or scissors, I envisioned a more intuitive, hollow-centered form that users could grip securely.Concept IdeationI sketched various shapes and landed on a design with a central hole for improved grip and control. This form felt more ergonomic and natural in theory.Form & Function PlanningI explored different hollow shapes (round, oval) and button placements for one-handed use. Though not prototyped, I conceptually mapped out where internal parts like the pump and water tank would fit.Usability RefinementI imagined real use cases—wet hands, tight spaces, travel—and refined the concept to be compact, lightweight, and easy to handle. The result is a sleek, functional design that improves grip and ease of use.

Hoe onderscheidend is het?

What makes this design unique is its hollow-centered structure, which allows users to insert their fingers through the body for a secure and intuitive grip—something rarely seen in conventional oral irrigators. Unlike typical designs that rely on bulky handles and slippery surfaces, this concept prioritizes ergonomic control and one-handed usability, offering both functional innovation and a visually minimal, modern aesthetic.

Toekomstplannen

The next step in the design process involves developing a working prototype to validate the ergonomic form and test the internal water delivery mechanism. On the business side, I plan to conduct market research to identify target users and refine the value proposition. Eventually, I aim to collaborate with hardware engineers and manufacturers to bring the product to life. In the long term, I hope to position this design as a compact, user-focused solution in the oral care market, with potential for brand expansion and additional product lines.

Premi